Securing system for pyrotechnic launch tubes

ABSTRACT

Based on pyrotechnic launch tubes ( 1 ) with a cylindrical body which houses in their interior both the pyrotechnic objects or materials ( 3 ) and the lifting powder ( 5 ), the system consists in providing each cylinder ( 1 ), on its lower base, with a series of tabs ( 6 ), determining a radially deformable neck, wherein said tabs ( 6 ) are finished in barbs ( 7 ) for engagement by pressure in a securing piece ( 11 - 11 ′), fastenable to the frame of the tubes or incorporated by way of a single piece in the actual frame, provided with an external and rigid neck with a gradation ( 14 ) for the engagement of the barbs ( 7 ) and provided with an axial and cylindrical core ( 10 ) which, perforating the bottom of the cylinder ( 1 ), is of a size to house in its interior the igniter ( 12 ) with its corresponding cable ( 13 ), which is thereby perfectly protected from possible environmental humidity.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new system for securing a pluralityof pyrotechnic launch tubes to the corresponding frame, which systemallows a broad range of possibilities, practically limitless, as to therelative positioning between each launch tube and the frame whichsupports them, a system whereby a perfect seal is also assured in theconnections, up to the point where it is applicable also in aquaticfirework displays.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the purpose of assisting in the understanding of the presentspecification and given the special terminology used in some of thedifferent earlier registrations that are cited below, it is consideredspecially relevant to clarify the following concepts:

Conventionally and in general terms, a “case” is a pyrotechnic devicewhich is structured by means of a cylindrical or spherical plastic orcardboard chamber which contains a propellant charge which by means ofan ignition conduit such as a cap or wick or even an electric match,produces gases whose thrust, channelled by a “mortar” or battery ofmortars, propels the case upwards. The delay in the transmission of theignition, started by the propellant charge, burns during the ascent ofthe case and fires the explosive charge when the case reaches itshighest point, causing the bursting open of the chamber, propelling andlighting the pyrotechnic materials which will create the desired effect.

These “cases” can be of different types, namely, unitary or repeating inwhich case they will be constituted by several superimposed chambersconnected pyrotechnically for retarded ignition and arranged inside the“mortars” by the actual firework specialist.

Conventionally, a “candle” is understood to be the device formed by acylindrical tube, generally of cardboard or plastic which fires one orseveral pyrotechnic objects or materials housed in its interior, thesebeing of any kind, like volcano type, stars, groups of cartridges, etc.,in any of their forms, which with the collaboration of an intermediatescreen remain separate from the lifting powder (there being as many asthere are pyrotechnic objects), this tube being closed at its upper endby means of a cover, with the respective ignition wick, it beingpossible to secure for example the cylindrical tube to a frame or even asupport which allows it to be maintained, the tube of the candle formingpart of the device itself.

Conventionally a “mortar” is understood to be a tube which serves toproject cases, for which reason it constitutes a piece independent ofthe device.

In accordance with that set out in Articles 22 and 10 of the Regulationson Explosives, according to Order in Council 230/1998 of February 16,the following should be understood to be pyrotechnic devices, units andmaterials:

Art. 22.—The consideration of pyrotechnic devices shall be given to theartefacts or devices charged with pyrotechnic materials or mixtures,generally deflagrating, as defined in Art. 10.

Art. 10 para. b) Pyrotechnic materials: Materials or mixtures ofmaterials intended to achieve a heat-, light-, sound-, gas- orsmoke-producing effect, or a combination of these effects, as aconsequence of non-detonating self-sustaining exothermic chemicalreactions.

Art. 10 para. d) Pyrotechnic objects: Objects that contain one orseveral pyrotechnic materials.

In the Spanish utility model with application number U9203065, a deviceis disclosed for the multiple shooting of pyrotechnic cases, the launchtube being identified as a “case” when in accordance with the foregoingit should be identified as a “mortar”, wherein the frame mentioned ismaterialized in a supporting platform, provided on its surface with atleast one groove which follows its outline, for the fitting and securingof an ignition wick, as well as a series of grooves or recesses for thevertical fitting of a plurality of “mortars” which are arranged on theplatform over the ignition wick, which, appropriately perforated in thearea of ignition of the cases arranged inside the mortars, transmitsfire successively to each of them which will produce the shot.

The fundamental problem of this device rests in the fact that since themortars are simply coupled to the platform through the aforementionedrecesses, their stability proves very precarious and the battery is onlyfunctionally safe when said platform adopts in turn a perfectlyhorizontal position, which is not desirable on occasions for theartistic or aesthetic effect of the show, particularly when it is soughtto have the pyrotechnic device ascend in an inclined path to adoptfan-like configurations.

The lack of stability of the aforementioned utility model is resolvedwith the solution disclosed in the Spanish patent of invention withapplication number 009702141, consisting of a battery of mortars forfireworks, in which said mortars are appropriately secured between twobases, one below with housings for the lower extremity of the mortars,and another above with holes for coupling to the mouth of the latter,both bases being connected to each other by means of a series of spacerstruts which, securing them adequately, permit their easy dismantlingfor replacement of the mortars.

An equivalent solution is that disclosed in the Spanish patent ofinvention with application number 009802205, in which the differentmortars participating in the battery together constitute a single piece,joined specifically through a lower and single base, common to them all,and connected by means of thickened areas in their side wall whichestablish continuity for the same, at least over a wide lower sector ofsaid mortars, a solution with which an adequate stability is clearlyalso achieved for each of the mortars which form the battery, but as inthe previous case it has the fundamental problem of the rigidity of thesystem, which does not allow each of the mortars to be pointedindependently, to achieve divergent trajectories, at variable angles.

Moreover the cylindrical tubes which constitute the mortars are in mostcases closed at the bottom, so that for the ignition of the pyrotechnicobjects or materials housed in their interior conventional wicks areused located in some cases in the upper part of the mortar and in othercases in the sides of the same, at any height, which makes it possiblefor the actual wick to become damp through being in contact with theweather, either retarding the corresponding shot and losing control ofits synchronization, or impeding the actual shot.

In other cases, like that of the first mentioned utility model, the wickruns between the base of the mortars and the platform which supports it,for which a small contact orifice is provided, the firing of each mortarbeing done according to the actual course of the wick, with nopossibility of controlled firing and without the precision required toplease the firework expert. In these cases, the rate of fire betweeneach of the mortars is determined by the course of the wick betweentheir respective orifices, the firing being limited to some standardspeeds which are determined by the wick itself, and the control,precision and setting of different times of firing at the criterion ofthe expert is not possible.

Likewise, it is necessary to bear in mind that on occasions thearrangement of the wick as disclosed in the aforementioned UtilityModel, is such that in the event of a faulty contact between the sameand the lifting powder the conflagration of the latter is impeded makingfiring impossible.

The present invention also resolves the aforementioned problem andguarantees in a greater measure the solution of problems relative to thecontrol, precision and execution of firing, as well as the establishmentof firing times according to the criteria of the expert by means ofelectric matches, as well as its airtightness.

In the light of the foregoing, the invention disclosed overcomes thedrawbacks in what has been termed “launch tubes” with the purpose ofcombining both the tubes which form an integral part of the “candles”and those which constitute the actual “mortars”.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The securing system for pyrotechnic launch tubes which the inventiondiscloses resolves in a fully satisfactory manner the problems outlinedabove and to this end the tube which forms part of the candle or thetube which constitutes the mortar has on its lower base, that forcoupling to the pertinent frame, a series of elastically deformabletabs, included in an imaginary cylindrical and coaxial plane to theactual body, finished at their free ends in respective barbs, so thatsaid tabs configure radially a kind of deformable neck, for coupling thetube by pressure in an independent securing piece for its later fittingto the frame, or in the event to a securing piece adequately joined tothe latter.

This cylindrical neck determines in turn an axial coupling for anigniter, whereby this latter is properly located inside the deformableneck and the frame in which the latter is fixed, protecting it properlyagainst the effects of environmental humidity.

As has already been said stated, the radially deformable neck with whichthe lower end of the tube is provided will be able to adapt to securingpiece independent of or even joined to the frame itself.

Likewise, the characteristics of the actual invention allow thepossibility of forming in a single monobloc piece, the assembly formedby the actual launch tube and the securing piece, for their laterfitting in the frame, in which case the presence is not necessary of thedeformable tabs.

In either of the cases, the frame will have as many holes as tubesforeseen for installation on the same, receivers of the respectivesecuring pieces in any one of the aforementioned configurations, indeedthe frame will have conventional securing means for any type of support,forming any angle or inclination with said frame, even with rectilinearor curved profiles, these pieces being complementary which in turn willreceive the tubes which will therefore be able to adopt any relativeposition and any direction within the general context of the batterywhile permitting its support in a safe manner and guarantee theairtightness of the electric matches.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complete the description that is being made and with the object ofassisting in a better understanding of the characteristics of theinvention, in accordance with a preferred example of practicalembodiment thereof, this description is accompanied with, as an integralpart thereof, a set of drawings wherein, by way of illustration and notrestrictively, the following has been represented:

FIG. 1.—It shows a schematic representation in side elevation and incross section of a tube provided with a securing system whichconstitutes the object of the present invention.

FIG. 2.—It shows an enlarged detail of the previous figure, at the levelof the lower end of the tube which appears coupled to the piece forsecuring to the frame, the latter not being represented in the drawing.

FIG. 3.—It shows a detail in external perspective of the tuberepresented in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4.—It shows a view in side elevation and two axial and opposingviews of the supplementary securing piece of each of the tubes, in theevent of this being independent.

FIG. 5.—It shows two views in perspective, opposing, of the securingpiece of FIG. 4, for the case in which this takes a single piece form inthe actual frame, the latter not being represented in the drawing.

FIG. 6.—It shows a bottom plan detail of a frame provided with aplurality of securing pieces for respective tubes.

FIG. 7.—It shows a detail in profile and in cross section of thesecuring piece shown in FIG. 5, at the level of one of the frames.

FIG. 8.—It shows, according to a schematic representation in plan view,a support foreseen to receive a series of frames which allow differentassemblies for the tubes.

FIG. 9.—It shows a detail in profile of the assembly represented in FIG.8, specifically at the level of an area in which an arrangement has beenforeseen for the tubes in fan formation.

FIG. 10.—It shows a similar representation to that of FIG. 9, but inwhich a substantially inclined arrangement of the frame has beenforeseen, with the respective tubes parallel to each other.

FIG. 11.—It shows, finally, a variant of practical embodiment of thefloating bucket or bin, also according to a schematic representation inside elevation, foreseen for aquatic fireworks.

FIG. 12.—It shows a schematic representation in elevation and in crosssection of a tube formed by way of a single piece with the piece forsecuring to the frame, the latter not being represented in the drawing.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

As has been indicated above in the background of the invention andmaking use of FIG. 1 as guidance, the candles conventionally employed inpyrotechnic batteries, are structured on the basis of a cylindrical tube(1) which is closed at the top by means of a cover (2), which houses inits interior the pyrotechnic objects or materials (3) separated by agrill (4) from the lifting powder (5) necessary for the pyrotechnicobjects or materials (3) to rise to the region foreseen for theirexplosion. To perform the ignition of the candle there is thecorresponding wick.

In the same way, and as has been indicated above, the conventionalmortars consist of some cylindrical tubes (1) in the interior of whichthe corresponding case is placed for the propulsion thereof, havinglikewise the pertinent igniting wick.

So, starting from these basic and conventional structures, thecylindrical tubes (1) disclosed and which form part of the candles orwhich constitute the mortars, incorporate in their lower base aplurality of elastically deformable tabs (6), preferably four in number,equiangularly distributed on the periphery of a cylindrical surfacecoaxial with the actual body (1) and finished at their free ends inindividual barbs (7), configuring a kind of radially deformable neck,specially visible in FIG. 3, which can be secured by fitting with director indirect pressure in the frame (8), which supports the differentlaunch tubes (1), as will be seen later.

The lower base of the cylindrical tube (1), initially closed,incorporates in its middle area, that corresponding to the radiallydeformable neck (6), a weakened bottom (9), easily ruptured, whichallows access to the interior of the cylindrical tube (1) of the axialarea (10) of a securing piece (11), which can constitute a piecephysically independent of the frame (8), having the gradations (14′) forits securing to the latter, as has been represented in FIGS. 2 and 4, orwhich can be incorporated in the actual frame (8), as has beenrepresented in FIGS. 6 and 7, wherein each portion of the frame (8)corresponding to the securing of a cylindrical tube (1) has beenreferred to with (11′), in which case the gradations (14′) for securingare not necessary, as has been represented in FIG. 5.

In whatever case, the axial area (10), cylindrical, is appropriatelysized to house in its interior the igniter (12), which thereby is keptperfectly isolated from the environmental agents, especially fromhumidity, the connection cable (13) emerging from the underside thereof,which cable is likewise kept perfectly isolated over an extensiveinitial length.

Both if the securing piece (11) is physically independent of the frame(8), as has been represented in FIG. 2, and if said securing piece (11′)is incorporated by way of a single piece in the frame (8) mentioned, ashas been represented in FIG. 7, it will incorporate in any case, as wellas the axial core (10) for housing the igniter, an annular and externalbody provided with gradations (14) for joining and retaining thecorresponding cylindrical tube (1) through the barbs (7) of its radialand elastically deformable neck.

Likewise, and as has been represented in FIG. 12, there exists thepossibility of forming in a single monobloc piece the assembly formed bythe actual launch tube (1) and securing piece (11), in which case thepresence of the deformable tabs (6) will not be necessary, so that thefitting of the monobloc piece (1-11) through the gradations (14′) inwhatever of the frames (8-8′) will likewise guarantee the support of thelaunch tubes, with different inclinations and directions as well as theairtightness of the electric igniter (12) by being housed in the axialcore (10).

Also in anyone of the previous cases, the arrangement of the cylindricaltubes (1) will be variable according to the criterion of the designer ofthe frame (8), which will preferably have areas (15) in numeric andpositional correspondence with the cylindrical tubes (1), communicatedby means of grooves (16) for passage of the power cables (13) for saidtubes (1), up to a point (17) for their fitting to an electricalconnector, with their corresponding electric and electronic elements,through which the opportune instructions can be given by remote controlfor ignition of the different cylindrical tubes (1).

The frame (8) will have conventional means (18), for example located incorrespondence with its corners, for its securing to any appropriatesupport and also with any appropriate position, be it horizontal orinclined.

Specifically in FIG. 8 a support (19) is shown on which are mounted byway of example three quadrangular frames (8), with a reticular andlikewise quadrangular distribution for the different tubes (1), and agrouping of lineal frames (8′), so that the frames (8) can even adopt aninclined position like that shown in FIG. 10, whilst the lineal frames(8′) describe an arched, convexly curved course, wherein the alignmentof securing pieces (11) or (11′) gives rise to a fanlike assembly forthe tubes (1) which thereby result of variable inclination, growingprogressively from one ends of the frame (8′) to the other, as isperfectly observed in FIG. 9.

Finally and as shown in FIG. 11, the support (19) can be prepared, onwhich the frames are mounted (8-8′) with the previously mentionedsecuring pieces (11-11′), which support (19) constitutes the coverclosing a floating bucket or bin (20), watertight, intended toconstitute a raft, for aquatic firework batteries, the cables convergingin a watertight form in the point of common contact (17), from whichthey are led to a connection box (21) for remote control of the battery.

1. Securing system for pyrotechnic launch tubes, specifically for thosewhich form part of the candles or which constitute the actual mortarsprovided with a cylindrical body which houses in its interior both thepyrotechnic objects or materials like the lifting powder, characterisedin that the aforementioned cylindrical body (1), incorporates in itslower extremity a plurality of tabs (6) which as a group configure acylindrical, radial and elastically deformable neck, in which theaforementioned tabs are finished in respective barbs (7) for locking ona securing piece (11-11′), attachable to the frame (8) of the tubes orincorporated in this frame as a single piece.
 2. Securing system forpyrotechnic launch tubes, according to claim 1, characterised in thatthe securing piece (11-11′) incorporates a tubular and cylindrical axialarea (10), capable of perforating the weakened bottom (9) of the tube(1) and of housing in its interior the igniter (12), with itscorresponding power cable (13) which is thereby protected from theweather, this core (1) being coaxial with the actual elasticallydeformable neck (6), on the outside of which is established in thesecuring piece (11-11′) a rigid neck finished in a peripheral gradation(14) for the engagement of the barbs (7) of said radially deformableneck (6).
 3. Securing system for pyrotechnic launch tubes, according toclaim 2, characterised in that the securing piece (11) is capable offorming, together with the actual tube (1), a unique single-piece bodyfor fitting in the frames (8-8′), allowing likewise the possibility ofhousing in the axial area (10) thereof the igniter (12), with itscorresponding power cable (13), which is in this way protected fromweather effects.
 4. Securing system for pyrotechnic launch tubes,according to claim 1, characterised in that the frame (8) receiving thetubes (1) has conventional means (18) of securing, unitary or formingpart of a group (8-8′), to whatever support (19), in which the frames(8) can adopt a horizontal or inclined position, with any degree ofinclination, and in which can participate lineal frames (8′), of archedtrajectory, which allow the positioning of the tubes (1) in a fanarrangement, that is, with a degree of inclination which is variable andgrows progressively from one end of the frame (8′) to the other. 5.Securing system for pyrotechnic launch tubes, according to claim 1,characterised in that the support (19), with its frames (8-8′) and withthe corresponding securing pieces (11-11′) thereof for the fitting ofthe tubes (1), is capable of constituting a cover with watertight sealof a bucket or bin (20) which acts as raft, afloat in a body of water,for aquatic pyrotechnic batteries.
 6. Securing system for pyrotechniclaunch tubes, according to claim 2, characterised in that the frame (8)receiving the tubes (1) has conventional means (18) of securing, unitaryor forming part of a group (8-8′), to whatever support (19), in whichthe frames (8) can adopt a horizontal or inclined position, with anydegree of inclination, and in which can participate lineal frames (8′),of arched trajectory, which allow the positioning of the tubes (1) in afan arrangement, that is, with a degree of inclination which is variableand grows progressively from one end of the frame (8′) to the other. 7.Securing system for pyrotechnic launch tubes, according to claim 3,characterised in that the frame (8) receiving the tubes (1) hasconventional means (18) of securing, unitary or forming part of a group(8-8′), to whatever support (19), in which the frames (8) can adopt ahorizontal or inclined position, with any degree of inclination, and inwhich can participate lineal frames (8′), of arched trajectory, whichallow the positioning of the tubes (1) in a fan arrangement, that is,with a degree of inclination which is variable and grows progressivelyfrom one end of the frame (8′) to the other.
 8. Securing system forpyrotechnic launch tubes, according to claim 2, characterised in thatthe support (19), with its frames (8-8′) and with the correspondingsecuring pieces (11-11′) thereof for the fitting of the tubes (1), iscapable of constituting a cover with watertight seal of a bucket or bin(20) which acts as raft, afloat in a body of water, for aquaticpyrotechnic batteries.
 9. Securing system for pyrotechnic launch tubes,according to claim 3, characterised in that the support (19), with itsframes (8-8′) and with the corresponding securing pieces (11-11′)thereof for the fitting of the tubes (1), is capable of constituting acover with watertight seal of a bucket or bin (20) which acts as raft,afloat in a body of water, for aquatic pyrotechnic batteries. 10.Securing system for pyrotechnic launch tubes, according to claim 4,characterised in that the support (19), with its frames (8-8′) and withthe corresponding securing pieces (11-11′) thereof for the fitting ofthe tubes (1), is capable of constituting a cover with watertight sealof a bucket or bin (20) which acts as raft, afloat in a body of water,for aquatic pyrotechnic batteries.
 11. Securing system for pyrotechniclaunch tubes, according to claim 6, characterised in that the support(19), with its frames (8-8′) and with the corresponding securing pieces(11-11′) thereof for the fitting of the tubes (1), is capable ofconstituting a cover with watertight seal of a bucket or bin (20) whichacts as raft, afloat in a body of water, for aquatic pyrotechnicbatteries.
 12. Securing system for pyrotechnic launch tubes, accordingto claim 7, characterised in that the support (19), with its frames(8-8′) and with the corresponding securing pieces (11-11′) thereof forthe fitting of the tubes (1), is capable of constituting a cover withwatertight seal of a bucket or bin (20) which acts as raft, afloat in abody of water, for aquatic pyrotechnic batteries.